1999 Volvo S80 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Volvo S80, 8% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission problems causing dangerous driving conditions. The transmission slips when going between 2nd and 3rd. Also had issues with the engine going to 700 rpms when going 65 MPH. This is just one of the many problems. The solenoid went out in the transmission about 13000 miles ago. Currently I have three different error codes transmission service urgent , low oil pressure stop engine asap , and emission service required . I have read many other people have the same problems I have had. Nm”
NHTSA complaint #10158043, filed 2006-05, 75,000 miles“The transmission had to be replaced last week and I feel that with the quality of this car and the reputation of Volvo, that the transmission should not have had to be replaced at this early point in the car's life. They are totally unwilling to discuss any consideration in the cost of this repair. The dealership has worked with us a bit, but not the distributors. People I have chatted with are amazed that Volvo has been so unresponsive. My husband is ready to sell it and buy a bmw!”
NHTSA complaint #10070447, filed 2004-01, 70,000 miles“Replace main computer after computer registered urgent, brake failure code and Volvo determined it was a faulty code. Three months later, I had transmission slippage while up shifting...getting extremely bad. Had transmission rebuilt at a reputable transmission shop and he told me the transmission (at 80,000m) failed because it was never serviced properly. I have all service receipts...all done at Volvo dealerships through 50k warranty. Transmission shop said, my GM transmission, unlike earlier Volvo transmission needs more servicing than a Volvo transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10083032, filed 2004-07, 83,112 miles“1999 Volvo S80 t6 transmission went completely out. Would not go forward or back. Towed in and said transmission needed to be replaced. Also mechanic said the cv shaft that connects the transmission to the spindle needed replaced after the transmission was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10376279, filed 2011-01, 122,000 miles“Vehicle message center displayes: ABS system failure/servicing transmission system service power steering service emissions control service also, there is an engine oil leak and a tie rod replacement/four wheel alignment was required cruise control is intermittent directional signal inop headlights come on when not commanded etc. Incident date--throughout ownership .”
NHTSA complaint #10059976, filed 2004-02, 4,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10016414Aug 29, 2003Front axle ping noise.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 29% |
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2011 | 2 | 40% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 11 | 26% |
| 2001 | 17 | 10% |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volvo S80
53 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volvo S80
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology